Mid Cornwall Cottages

From famous surfing capitals to river valley villages, traditional fishing towns and lush pieces of paradise, Mid Cornwall is a majestic holiday destination. Cornwall's core contains a rich variety of offerings. It's home to a host of glorious gardens, historical sites and, of course, the outlining coastal areas of Newquay and St Agnes to the north and Falmouth and Portscatho to the south.

Arguably, it has it all. Land, sea, river and town are interspersed with striking examples of Cornwall's industrial heritage and maritime history, presenting visitors with something to suit every mood and type of stay.

What towns can we visit during our stay?

A smattering of towns and villages invite visitors to stay while exploring their exciting environs. On the north coast, St Agnes and its surrounding areas spill with picture-postcard views, from Wheal Coates' magnificent tin mine on the cliffs to the tropical-like Trevaunance Cove, Trevellas Porth and Chapel Porth. Newquay needs little introduction. One of the country's most famous surfing hubs, it's strewn with beaches, activities and an array of family-centred attractions and entertainment.

Cornwall's capital and only city is Truro, which practically lies at the midpoint location in the county. Existing largely as the commercial centre of the county, a tally of traditional and coolly modern cafés and restaurants can be found, as well as various cultural and entertainment venues including the Hall For Cornwall, Royal Cornwall Museum and striking architectural centrepiece, Truro Cathedral. South of the city, Falmouth's famous maritime town is crammed with an inexhaustible array of sights to see and things to do. A vibrant by-the-sea destination, Falmouth boasts the world's third-deepest natural harbour, which sets the remarkable cultural tone for much of its award-winning and must-see attractions.

Particularly, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and neighbouring waterfront - along with the estuary mouth's dizzyingly beautiful headlands marked by St Mawes and Pendennis Castles - are unfailingly impressive. Portscatho lies northeast from Falmouth along the Roseland Heritage Coast, presenting a plethora of uber pretty coves and beaches along with its own sheltered east facing stretch. It provides the perfect base for coastal rambling, seaside relaxation and exploring the bevy of must-see sights in the vicinity.

The far eastern fringe encompasses the St Austell area, which is awash with top coastal destinations, world-class visitor attractions and some of Cornwall's most celebrated maritime culture.

What are the best coastal resorts and beaches in Mid Cornwall?

Newquay is undeniably Cornwall's coastal tour de force, offering seven miles of sands from surfers' paradise Fistral Beach to activity-laden Lusty Glaze and locals' treasure, Little Fistral to family favourites, Crantock and Holywell Bay. While its famous Fistral Beach remains an ever-popular destination, Newquay's lesser-known coves such as Polly Joke, Whipsiderry and Bedruthan Steps are achingly beautiful alternatives to the buzz of the town beaches.

On the southern side, Falmouth is a rambling mass of rivers and beaches that can be explored on foot, bike, boat, ferry or watercraft. Gyllyngvase Beach boasts crystal-clear waters, lifeguard cover (May-September), watersports hire and fabulous range of facilities. Similarly, Swanpool is something of an activity centre, while Maenporth's flatter beach is home to award-winning restaurant, The Cove. And don't forget to dabble in the rock-pooling fun that can be found at the more tranquil and utterly charming, Castle and Tunnel beaches.

At the western end of the Roseland Peninsula, Portscatho presents Porthcurnick Beach to the north and, to the east, dog-friendly Carne and Pendower Beaches that join together at low tide. To the west, St Anthony Head is a stunning vantage point (and also filming site for TV series, Fraggle Rock), while a beautiful bevy of other nearby beaches includes Towan and Porthboer.

Gorran Haven sits in one of Cornwall's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at the far eastern edge of the Roseland Peninsula and is home to two sheltered (and dogs-on-lead friendly) sandy beaches: Vault, or Bow Beach and Great Perhaver Beach, which are especially suited to families. Further east, and Pentewan boasts a large sandy beach and range of facilities, while the nearby village of Mevagissey presents a majestic slice of coastal living. The boat-filled harbour is flanked by fisherman's cottages (and good selection of restaurants) on the interior and exquisite expanses of ocean on its exterior, which can be crossed to Fowey via ferry (May-September) for an extra special sea life-spotting adventure.

St Austell Bay is home to a pretty plethora of places including film set favourite, Charlestown – a Georgian harbour village complete with picturesque pebbly beaches, historic dock and fascinating Shipwreck and Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, Carlyon Bay comprises a stunning trio of south-facing beaches that arc toward the crescent-shaped and (usually) less populated, Polkerris, where watersports instruction and equipment hire is also readily available throughout the summer season.